While Mother’s Day typically evokes thoughts of gratitude and joy, for some Mother’s Day isn’t about flowers and happy memories. Specifically, we remember post-abortive women who carry grief with them from a choice to terminate a pregnancy.
Georgette Forney, founder of Silent No More, an organization dedicated to helping women heal from such a choice, points out in the organization’s “Shockwaves of Abortion” campaign, that Mother’s Day can be a painful reminder to women who mourn the lost opportunity to be a mom to their child or children because of abortion.
Please know that if you, or someone you know, is post-abortive, hope and healing is possible. You are not alone, and the pain you are going through is normal.
As Mary McClusky, Assistant Director, Project Rachel Ministry Development, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, explains, there are people who can help you along in a healing journey. Thankfully, there are many resources and organizations available to help women (and men!) who are suffering from post-abortion grief.
Don’t let this Mother’s Day pass without taking the opportunity to find help for yourself or a loved one. There are good people with wide open arms who can walk with you through your healing journey.
Resources
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Hope After Abortion – Project Rachel Ministry is the Catholic Church’s diocesan-based ministry to those suffering in the aftermath of abortion. Confidential and non-judgmental help is available for all who seek God’s mercy, healing and love. If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, or for more information, visit HopeAfterAbortion.org or EsperanzaPosaborto.org.
PATH: Post Abortion Treatment and Healing – The PATH ministry provides a safe place for individuals suffering from post-abortion trauma to grieve their loss and reconcile with themselves, others and God. PATH also educates the community regarding post-abortion syndrome, its treatment and prevention.
Ramah International – Wide range of resources offering the hope of healing to abortion’s wounded. This site gives a helpful summary statement of the post-abortion stress syndrome, and locates a help center near you.
Abortion Changes You – This is a confidential space for those who are touched by abortion, whether the experience happened recently or years ago. Abortion Changes You is a refuge for those who wish to tell their story and begin the process of healing.
Lumina, Hope & Healing After Abortion – This is a post-abortion healing ministry of Good Counsel Homes. Lumina offers healing retreats for women, men, siblings, and those who aborted because of an adverse diagnosis. In addition, Lumina provides training for clergy members and mental health professionals in post-abortion stress. They have a network of women and men who have walked through the pain of abortion who are also ready to accompany you through the darkness, into the joy of a renewed life.
Abortion Recovery InterNational (ARIN) – Abortion Recovery InterNational (ARIN) maintains an online directory of more than one thousand affiliates who provide personal, confidential and non-judgmental assistance to those hurting from a past abortion. They also have a toll-free hotline where you can speak to an abortion recovery specialist 1-800-395-HELP.
National Helpline for Abortion Recovery – National Helpline for Abortion Recovery provides confidential nonjudgmental care 24/7 for those needing help after abortion. The National Helpline is staffed by trained phone consultants who have personally experienced the pain of abortion but who have also found hope and healing. Phone them at 1-866-482-5433.
Rachel’s Vineyard – Rachel’s Vineyard offers confidential, nonjudgmental weekend programs and other services for anyone affected by abortion, including a toll-free hotline (1-877-HOPE 4 ME) and email buddies for those desiring emotional support by email.
APART: Alliance for Post-Abortion Research and Training – In today’s world, information is critical. When confronted with so much information about abortion and its many health effects, it’s easy to be confused and even misinformed. APART was formed to address this need, to assist those who may not have the opportunity or resources to study the science available – in short, to stand apart.
Silent No More Awareness – Silent No More Awareness is a campaign to make the public aware of the devastation abortion brings to women and men. The campaign seeks to expose and heal the secrecy and silence surrounding the emotional and physical pain of abortion. There are 2,233 testimonies posted on the campaign website, with 332 that are shared via video.
